The Police in Benue State have killed a notorious suspected armed robber and assassin, simply identified as Saater.

Saater had for long been on the command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in the killing of a local Hunters’ commander and his wife in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement issued on Monday, said the suspect met his end during a gun duel with operatives at the weekend in Makurdi, after he opened fire on a team of detectives who attempted to arrest him.

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Edet said that the late suspect was wanted for the assassination of Aondoakaa Yayol, Commander of the local hunters’ association, who was shot dead on June 20, 2025, and the killing of Yayol’s wife, Mrs. Kashimana Yayol, on February 11, 2023, both in Wannune.

“Acting on credible intelligence that the suspect had returned to Makurdi with plans to launch fresh attacks, detectives moved swiftly to apprehend him around George Akume Way. He engaged the police team in a shootout but was subdued and arrested,” the statement read.

The suspect reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), where he was later confirmed dead.

His remains have been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The police spokesperson listed items recovered from the deceased suspect to include one AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated shotgun, several 7.62mm live ammunition, cartridges, and seven SIM cards suspected to have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, warned residents against criminal acts and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation, assuring that the command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across the state.